This is the perfect way to incorporate learning to ride into a general holiday. This programme teaches the new rider the English riding style in a very direct approach. By the end of the course the rider will be able to walk and trot independently, feel secure on and around the horse, tack up their horse and be able to take a slow hack out in the Cretan countryside. Many are able to learn to canter during this week too! Accommodation is in a lovely hotel next to the stables with an infinity swimming pool and stunning views over the Lagada Valley. This active holiday, combines all the good things of Cretan life; relax on the beach or swim in the pool, visit an ancient site, meet the friendly locals and enjoy the Greek food.
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise:
2012: £135/€149/$209
SAMPLE ITINERARY - BEGINNERS RIDING COURSE, CRETE
Day 1 Arrival, welcome and evening dinner in the Panorama Restaurant.
Day 2 Your first experiences on horseback are very important. To really understand the horse's movements and what is going on beneath you your first ever lesson will be bareback on the lunge (there will be a vaulting band for you to hold so that you feel more secure). This 30 minute private lesson concentrates on finding balance, the riding position, and how to ride at sitting trot. Depending on how comfortable you feel a few strides of canter may also be experienced in this lesson. Afterwards you have the remainder of the day free to explore the island or just relax by the pool with a cold drink and a good book.
Day 3 Today you will have another 30 minute private lesson, this time with the saddle, learning the body's position with stirrups. You will learn how to sit to the trot without holding the saddle, and also begin to learn rising trot (which is much more comfortable than sitting trot once you get the hang of it!). Today you will also have a lesson at the stable on how to look after your horse; you will be taught how to handle them, groom them and tack them up. There's plenty of help at hand and questions are always welcome. It is especially nice, and also very important, to learn how to interact with your horse when you are not riding - you will learn a lot more and also build up a bond that you do not necessarily get by just jumping on board!
Day 4
We will all meet at the stables today to prepare our horses ourselves, using the techniques we learned yesterday in our horse management lesson. Help will be at hand for whoever needs it, and once our horses are all groomed and tacked up we will have a 1hr group lesson and for the first time you will ride independently - an amazing feeling. Having learnt how to hold the reins you must now learn how to steer your horse in the arena, and also how to stop! You will now be able to practice what you have learnt on the lunge about how to use your legs in the correct way. After the lesson we take the horses back to the stable, untack them and sponge them down. Your legs may be aching but the sense of achievement is huge.
Day 5
Today we prepare our horses more confidently and take part in another 1hr group lesson to reconfirm what we have learnt and to practice both our sitting and rising trot. We will also play some games during this lesson - they are not only fun, but they will improve your skills without you even realising and you will learn a great deal about directing your horse and controlling its speed.
Day 6
Today is an exciting day - we take our first careful steps out into the Cretan countryside for a 1.5hr hack, riding at both walk and trot, and sometimes even a short canter. The terrain is predominantly dirt track and easy going. Children under 12 will continue to ride in the arena, encouraging their new-found skills in a more contained environment, with either a 1hr group lesson or a 30 minute private lesson.
Day 7
After greeting our horses and preparing them for the ride we'll take another hack out today, this time with some longer trots so we can concentrate on our rising and feel everything we have learnt coming together. Then at walk we have the opportunity to admire the dramatic, unspoilt landscape of rural Crete; look down over the forests of olive trees and watch the birds soaring high over our heads. Again, children under 12 will continue riding in the arena, perhaps having a group lesson with games, or a private lesson if they prefer. When we all return, we say a sad goodbye to our trusty steeds who have taught us so much over the week, and we all reflect on the achievements of the week over a delicious farewell dinner.
Day 8 Departure after breakfast.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
NOTES - BEGINNERS RIDING COURSE, CRETE
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation is in a small hotel with
• 12 large and comfortable rooms
• a restaurant with panoramic view
• a bar with Mediterranean terrace & free wifi
• a large swimming pool
• its own equestrian centre
The estate is 3,5 hectare and located in the country side of the village Avdou, in the province of Heraklion, on the island of Crete in Greece. Avdou is situated 9 miles from the sea and the lively holiday centre Chersonissos. Here you can find all the modern facilities you might need e.g. banks; a private medical centre, water sports and souvenir shops. In the Bay of Chersonissos there are several small sandy beaches. The wide sandy beach lies on the west side of Chersonissos is reachable by bike, scooter or car. The beaches are child friendly and some have coast guards.
The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
8 days/7 nights in the hotel**** on half board basis, breakfast and a la carte dinner in the restaurant starting with dinner on the first night and ending with breakfast on the last morning, riding program as per itinerary, horses, tack and English speaking instructor.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Lunches, drinks, transport to and from Heraklion. Transfer from the airport is not included.
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Reading List We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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- David MacNeill Doren 
- Douglas Bullis 
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- Nikos Kazantzakis
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